The Illusion of Visibility: Why I, as an Artist, Want to Be Seen Without Performing for Social Media

The Illusion of Visibility: Why I Want to Be Seen Without Performing for Social Media

Authenticity and the Hunger for Recognition

The demand for self-presentation in social media-driven art spaces strips away layers of truth, encouraging artists to become performers rather than creators. The idea that visibility in the art world now depends less on the value of the work and more on how adeptly one plays the algorithm strikes me as both ironic and frustrating. I crave recognition, but not at the cost of endlessly constructing a digital persona. The illusion of visibility is seductive—numbers rise, engagement appears—but does it equate to being genuinely seen?

The Dilemma of Performing for the Feed

There is an unspoken pressure to design every post, every story, for maximum shareability and virality. The artist’s studio, once sacred and private, is transformed into a transparent space for spectatorship. The internal process—quiet, chaotic, and often ugly—becomes secondary to the curated highlight reel. This shift distorts the artist’s role from storyteller to content producer, feeding a cycle that rarely nourishes true connection with those who seek authentic contemporary art.

What Does It Mean to Be Seen?

I want to be seen for what I make—not for my ability to bend to the trends or structure my day around visibility strategies. My work exists to invite people in, to pause, reflect, and examine stories that lie beneath the surface. I want that initial magnetism to come from a place of substance. In the rush to capture fleeting audience attention, art sometimes loses its capacity for vulnerability.

Resisting the Spectacle

Choosing not to perform comes with risks. Algorithms punish inconsistency, followers dwindle, reach shrinks. But trading my own sense of purpose for fleeting spikes in analytics isn’t the path I want. I am not interested in moulding my art practice to fit the narrow criteria of online virality. My intention is to offer those searching for connection through art something real—work that honours complexity, quiet discovery, and the human impulse to create with intention.

Visibility Reimagined

The communities, curators, and collectors I want to reach are looking for honest self-expression and the kind of art that respects its origins. Building authentic connections with people who value the long view matters more than fleeting impressions in a feed. I want to be seen through the lens of engagement that feels mutual, sustainable, and deeply rooted in respect for the stories I tell.

An Invitation to Seek and See

For those searching for meaning, let’s move beyond the surface, beyond metrics and performance. Explore my newsletter for regular studio updates, deeper reflections, and opportunities to collect my work. Visit my work and shop for more pieces that invite you to look again, and connect on a level that algorithms will never reach.